Selecting the proper running shoes is essential for performance and injury prevention. For 5K races and shorter distances, lightweight shoes with responsive cushioning offer speed and comfort. For 10K to half marathons, choose shoes with balanced support and cushioning for endurance. Marathon and ultra-distance runners benefit from maximum cushioning and stability to handle long hours of impact. Additionally, trail running shoes should provide traction, durability, and protection for uneven terrain. A podiatrist can analyze your gait, foot structure, and running style to recommend the best shoe type for your needs. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on choosing the right shoes for your running needs.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit correctly may help prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and hammertoe may all occur from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Choosing the correct shoe size begins with measuring the feet. This can be done by using a Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Conversely, some people prefer to measure their feet at home. To measure your feet at home, stand barefoot on a piece of paper and trace the width and length of the feet. A conversion table is used to determine what the size is. It is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest, in addition to trying on the shoes and walking around in the store. If you are interested in learning more about how to buy shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Are you tired of hiding your toes in the sand? Are your toenails beginning to discolor, thicken, or crumble? This could be the beginning of toenail fungus. Fungi are nearly everywhere, and they particularly love dark, moist, and warm places, like inside your shoes. Healthy feet depend on healthy hygiene, so it’s important to keep your toes clean and dry. Cut your toenails straight across with a sanitized nail clipper. Wear breathable, properly fitted shoes and socks. Your toenails should never be touching your shoes. It also helps to alternate your shoes. If your feet sweat and your shoes are damp, it's time to go to the next pair while the other pair dries. Avoid going barefoot in public places, especially in locker rooms, showers, and pools. If you have tried at-home remedies to clear your toenail fungus and it keeps returning, it may be time to follow up with your local podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.